Digitize Building Plans / Paper to CAD Conversion
Image or scan files contain pixel information. These cannot be enlarged without loss of quality and cannot be further edited with CAD software.
CAD plans contain vector information. Since every point in space is described by exact numerical values, the drawing information can be used and processed for various purposes. Through a manual reconstruction of the representation, CAD files can be created from scans.
We offer you professional conversion of CAD plans –
compatible – in all common CAD formats
affordable – with tiered pricing
fast – thanks to skilled staff and established processes
We look forward to your inquiry and are happy to provide you with a customized quote.
Information on Vectorization
Paper to CAD
The building plans of existing buildings often only exist in paper form.
However, CAD plans are needed for construction measures, maintenance, renovation, escape and rescue plans, management of rental units, or as-built plans.
Digitizing building drawings is a process to make paper plans usable for CAD systems. In this process, the information from the plans is redrawn using CAD. The position of the elements is described by exact numbers – this is also known as vectorization.
Our company offers you professional digitization of your building plans, saving you time and effort. Thanks to our experience and the latest software, we can digitize your plans and provide them in PDF, DWG, DXF, and other formats.
At a Glance
- Precision and Scalability: Vector drawings are accurate and can be scaled without loss.
- Efficiency: Digitized plans facilitate editing and management.
- Expertise: Rely on our experience and expertise in the vectorization of building plans.
Why Vectorize Building Drawings?
Vectorized floor plans are used in many areas. They are essential for architectural and engineering firms that need precise templates for the planning and execution of construction projects.
In building management and facility management, a digitized building plan is also the foundation for efficient handling.
For sales purposes or property renovations, a digitized building plan should also be available.
Methods for Digitizing Paper Plans
Automatic Vectorization
This involves using specialized software tools to create vector graphics from raster images. While faster and more cost-effective, it is far less precise in practice compared to the manual method.
Manual Vectorization
Manual vectorization is a process where our experienced professionals carefully trace and digitize building plans and drawings. Each element of the plan is precisely converted into a vector graphic. This approach offers the highest accuracy and is ideal for complex and detailed drawings.
Our services always include manual digitization on-screen using CAD software – as this is the only way to ensure the highest quality and precision of the CAD drawings.
Old plans cannot be digitized automatically – achieving high accuracy (despite often hard-to-read dimensions, folds in the paper, or other inconsistencies) is only possible through manual reconstruction. Our specialists not only trace the entire plan but also understand the construction methods of the building to derive missing measurements.
CAD Programs for Vectorization of Building Drawings
AutoCAD
Since its introduction by Autodesk in 1982, AutoCAD has been one of the leading programs for creating and editing CAD drawings. AutoCAD's influence is so significant that its proprietary "DWG" format has become the standard exchange format in the CAD industry.
The DWG format contains detailed construction information, including geometry, layers, colors, materials, annotations, and layouts in the appropriate scales.
Regardless of which CAD program you use, we support you in digitizing your building plans and ensure that your digital drawings are delivered in the highest quality and the correct file format. Our team of specialists looks forward to your inquiry.
Costs of Digitizing Plans
The cost of vectorizing a drawing – the cost of digitizing plans depends on:
- Sheet size (DIN A4, DIN A3, DIN A2, DIN A1, DIN A0, oversized)
- Or sheet size (Letter, Tabloid, ANSI C, ANSI D, ANSI E, ANSI E oversized)
- Detail level of the drawings (building application drawings 1:100, execution planning 1:50, MEP plans, details, etc.)
- Clarity of the information / quality of the paper drawing and scan
Therefore, the costs are very individual and difficult to name generally. However, our project management looks forward to your inquiry and will usually send you a non-binding quote within one working day.
Would you like to have your paper plans professionally digitized?
Receive your free and non-binding quote shortly!
Step-by-Step Process: Building Drawings and Vectorization
Preparation of Documents
- Receiving physical templates and documents by mail, or receiving scans (Steps 1-5 are skipped in this case).
- Ensuring that the originals are clean and free from damage.
- Aligning each paper plan correctly before scanning to reduce the effort of further processing.
- Scanning the plans on a large format scanner up to DIN A0 oversized at a high resolution. A scanning resolution of at least 300 dpi is chosen. Color scanning is always preferred over grayscale.
- Saving the files and scan data in common formats such as TIFF, JPG, JPEG, or PDF.
Digitization Process
- Importing the scanned files into the CAD program.
- Setting up the layers according to specifications or based on the variability of the object in the floor plan. In CAD digitization, we use a clear layer structure where each component category is placed on its own layer. If you have your own CAD standard or specifications, we can easily apply that standard during the digitization – the plans will look as if they were created in-house.
- Ensuring consistency between floor plans, sections, and elevations of an object.
- Selecting the best method to harmonize all object plans, ensuring that the building's width and length are consistent across all final files, even if the section scans show different dimensions.
- Drawing all objects, lines, hatches, dimension chains, annotations, texts, etc., present in the floor plan in the correct color.
- Saving and exporting the files in the formats you requested.
- Delivery via email or our encrypted cloud, and archiving the files upon request.
With our support, the digitization of your building plan will be carried out efficiently and precisely. Contact us to benefit from our experience and proven processes.
Additional Options and Services
Support for Various CAD Formats
Our service supports a variety of file formats, such as VWX, RVT, PLN, DXF, TIFF, IPT. We help you convert your plans into the desired data format and ensure that all details are correctly transferred.
Tailored Solutions for Architects, Engineers, Construction Companies, Manufacturing Industry, and Mechanical & Plant Engineering
We offer customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Thanks to our interdisciplinary team, we can provide drawing creation, digitization, and reconstruction for various applications.
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Consultation and Service
Our competent team of experts is always available to support you with your project. Contact us for a non-binding quote.
FAQ
Who digitizes building plans? Tuscheteam CAD-Service specializes in the digitization of building plans. We look forward to your inquiry and will send you a non-binding quote shortly.
How can I digitize my drawings? Please read this section or contact us to receive a non-binding quote.
Can a PDF file be converted to DWG? How to convert PDF to DXF? Feel free to contact us with a sample of your files, and we will present you with the best method for conversion.
Is there a minimum quantity for digitization? No, we are happy to offer digitization services for individual plans as well.
How can I have building drawings and plans digitized?
Option 1: Have the plans scanned at a high resolution by a copy shop of your choice and provide us with the scans.
Option 2: Send us the originals by post, and after the project is completed, you will receive both your documents and the digitized files.
Can DWG files be created from scanned building plans? This is the definition of building plan digitization. The DWG format is the most common exchange format. Other file types are also possible.
How much does it cost to digitize building plans? The prices depend on the following factors:
1. Number of plans
2. Legibility
3. Complexity
4. Format (DIN A0, DIN A1, DIN A2, ... / Letter, Tabloid, ANSI C, ANSI D, ANSI E, ...)
We will be happy to provide you with a specific price after reviewing your originals. Please use our contact form to request a quote.
How quickly can building plans be digitized? The processing time is usually 7-10 working days. Feel free to contact us if you need the plans urgently.
How will I get the documents back? You will receive the documents back by mail after the scanning process is completed.
In which file format will the digitized drawings be saved? You will always receive the results of the digitization as DWG and PDF. On request, we can provide additional formats depending on the intended use.
Would you like to have your paper plans professionally digitized?
Receive your free and non-binding quote shortly!
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Let's Work Together
YOUR REQUIREMENTS
What kind of plans do you need? Is it a single project, or are you looking for a long-term CAD outsourcing partner? Please provide details in the message field for a customized quote.
OUR PROCESSES
With over 10 years of experience as architects and engineers, we offer industry-specific CAD plans of the highest quality. Since 2012, we have been continuously improving our processes to provide you with the best service.
TOWARDS SUCCESS TOGETHER
After placing an order with us, you will receive regular progress updates and preliminary drafts via email. Upon project completion, we deliver all the agreed CAD formats and, if desired, printed documents.
Request a Quote
1. Fill Out the Contact Form
As a basis for calculation, we require your existing plan documents for all the services offered. These can be scans/photos of your documents, PDF files, sketches, or CAD data. We treat your data and documents with strict confidentiality.
2. Receive a Quote
Your request is usually processed within two working days. We will send you a free and non-binding quote for the requested services via email. If you have any questions, we are also happy to contact you by phone upon request.
We never share your data with third parties and
use it solely for the purpose of creating the quote.
We never share your data with third parties and use it solely for the purpose of creating the quote.